Modi and Macron Finalise Defence and Technology Agreements

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron convened in Mumbai to solidify bilateral ties between India and France through the signing of several key agreements. The leaders discussed a range of collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of defence and technology.

The meeting, which took place on February 17, 2026, featured the virtual inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line based in Bengaluru. This project marks a significant step in Indo-French defence cooperation. During a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of the partnership, referring to France as one of India’s oldest allies and labelling the relationship as ‘very special’.

Meanwhile, President Macron emphasised the necessity of mutual collaboration to counter global hegemony. He remarked, “This is a special global strategic partnership between India and France,” and asserted that the helicopter assembly line symbolises their deep relationship, saying, “We will together manufacture a helicopter flying to Mt Everest.”

Both leaders announced the launch of three important institutions: the Indo-French Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics. Prime Minister Modi expressed that these initiatives should be viewed as platforms for future development, underscoring the planned expansion of collaborative efforts in various sectors.

In his statements, President Macron pointed to the shared aspirations of both nations, affirming, “2026 is a turning point in our relationship.” He elaborated that the recent signing of the Indo-EU Free Trade Agreement would bolster trade, investment, and mobility between the two nations.

The dialogue covered several sectors including defence, nuclear power, technology transfer, student exchange, and research. The French President reinforced France’s commitment to support India in its pursuit of nuclear energy projects, such as the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, and expressed the need for greater technology transfer between both countries.

On a lighter note, President Macron took a brief jog along Mumbai’s Marine Drive earlier in the day to connect with the city’s residents. He later paid homage to the victims of the 2008 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace before attending a cinema-themed lunch with local film personalities.

The two leaders' discussions signal a notable shift in the India-France relationship, indicating a future of enhanced collaboration to address global challenges. With both leaders keen to secure a shared prosperity through partnership, the outcomes from this meeting are set to promote progress in multiple domains vital to both nations' interests.